Farewell to the Mighty Quinn: Longford star Mickey Quinn departs inter-county GAA stage

Long serving Longford senior footballer Mickey Quinn has announced his retirement from the inter-county game.

The 34 year old Killoe clubman has played for Longford since 2012. 

Prior to that, he spent three years playing AFL in Australia.

Quinn holds the record for the quickest start in the AFL from a former GAA player, after making his AFL debut for Essendon just weeks after arriving in Australia.

Quinn was widely recognised as one of Longford’s best ever players. He was nominated for an All-Star in his debut season and also represented Ireland in the International Rules Series.

The winner of six senior championship medals with Killoe, honours with Longford were scarcer.

Also read: Longford SFC: Title holders Killoe in control against Colmcille

He won a NFL Division Three medal in 2012. He also won three O’Byrne Cup medals - 2020, 2023 and 2024.

Since the retirement of Paul Barden in 2015, Quinn was the best known Longford player and the one that opposition teams would have feared the most.

At his peak, he was a powerful athlete who could command the middle third of the field, playing in a variety of positions from No. 5 to No. 12 for most of his inter-county career.

His piercing runs and ball distribution were outstanding. He was also capable of landing excellent scores. In fact, he was a prolific scoring forward in his underage days.

His leadership was a huge asset to Longford. In training, he lifted standards and continually demanded more from his team-mates.

He also did plenty of hard work, such as winning ‘dirty ball.’ He came back from Australia with a powerful physique from his period as a professional athlete.

Tributes have been pouring in for Quinn. 

Longford GAA posted on their facebook page, “What a phenomenal contribution to Longford football by Mickey Quinn who, after 13 years and 139 appearances, has decided to hang up his inter-county boots.

“Thank you, Mickey, for the unforgettable memories, the incredible matchdays, and for being a shining example to countless young supporters who saw you as their hero. Your service to Longford GAA has been truly exceptional and we wish you well in the future.”

Humans of Longford posted, “We wish Mickey Quinn a long and happy retirement as he hangs up his football boots. And those boots will be hard to fill. A giant on the field of play and a gentleman always - the Mighty Quinn, indeed.

“Mickey’s career has been stellar and surely would have graced any top county's team . As a  gifted youngster at soccer, he wore the red and black of...Bohemians !!!

“Besides his countless medals and sporting achievements, All Star nomination, success in Australia,  he's as we say in Longford- " a sound man ".”

“Happy retirement Mickey, here's to  your  next  exciting chapter and thanks for all the great memories.”

Quinn himself posted on social media platform X: "On to the next chapter. 13 good years."

Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons also posted a message in recognition of Quinn's achievements, saying: "Congrats Mickey Quinn, class player, leader and role model for Longford GAA and as a player rep for the (GPA)."

On to the next chapter. 13 good years
pic.twitter.com/ARWuhxkoSf

— Mickey Quinn (@mickeyq06) July 18, 2024